Driving in Turkey as a United Kingdom National
Turkey drives on the right with modern motorways, an aggressive driving culture, and a comprehensive toll system (HGS/OGS). An IDP is required for most foreign visitors.
Key Things to Know First
Turkey requires an International Driving Permit for foreign visitors. Obtain one in United Kingdom before departure.
How to get an IDPUnited Kingdom drives on the left, but Turkey drives on the right. Extra caution required at roundabouts, intersections, and after exits.
Tips for switching sidesUnited Kingdom uses mph, but Turkey uses km/h. Verify your GPS or navigation app is set to the correct unit.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Rule | United Kingdom | Turkey | Change? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traffic side | Left-hand traffic | Right-hand traffic | Yes |
| Speed unit | mph | km/h | Yes |
| IDP required | — | Yes | Yes |
| Min. driving age | 17 | 18 | Differs |
| Emergency number | 999 | 112 | Different |
| Road difficulty | Moderate | Moderate | — |
Speed Limits in Turkey
Speed limits in Turkey are posted in km/h (kilometres per hour). Quick reference: 50 km/h ≈ 31 mph · 100 km/h ≈ 62 mph · 130 km/h ≈ 81 mph.
Documents to Carry in Turkey
- Original driving licence from United Kingdom — must be valid and unexpired
- International Driving Permit (IDP) — required in Turkey. Obtain from your national motoring association before travelling.
- Passport or national ID — carry at all times while driving
- Car insurance certificate — verify it covers Turkey before departure
- Vehicle registration / rental agreement
Emergency Number in Turkey
112 is the pan-European emergency number, widely accepted across many countries worldwide.
Emergency numbers for all countriesFull Turkey Driving Guide
Road rules, toll system, fuel types, parking, regional quirks — everything you need for driving in Turkey.
Read the complete guide